Is Your AC Ready for Summer? A Spring Maintenance Checklist

May 12, 2025

Keep Your Cool All Season Long with These Essential Tips

As the temperatures begin to climb, the last thing you want is to discover your air conditioner isn’t up to the task. At Custom Cooling & Heating, we know just how important it is to have a reliable, efficient AC system before the summer heat hits full force. That’s why we’ve put together this handy spring maintenance checklist—to help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your comfort all season long. 


1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters 

Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and even lead to system breakdowns. Check your filters monthly and replace them at least every 1–3 months—more often if you have pets or allergies.   Please avoid highly restrictive filters where the media feels or looks like paper. 


2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit 

Over the winter, leaves, branches, and other debris can pile up around your outdoor condenser unit. Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clear space around it to allow for proper airflow and unit to be able to discharge the heat from your home into the outside air. 


3. Check Your Thermostat 

Now’s a great time to test your thermostat. Make sure it’s accurately reading your home’s temperature and set to cooling mode. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to boost efficiency, reduce energy bills or allow control remotely or Geo-fencing. 


4. Inspect Ductwork and Vents 

Leaks or blockages in your ductwork can waste energy and leave parts of your home uncomfortably warm. Look for visible gaps, listen for whistling sounds, and make sure all vents are open and unobstructed. 


5. Examine the Drain Line 

Your AC system pulls moisture from the air, and that water needs somewhere to go. Check your condensate drain line for clogs, which can cause water damage or system shutdowns if left untreated.  If your condensate line was originally a clear vinyl hose and it is dirty or discolored, then replace it to allow you to see future potential clogs or blockages. 


6. Look (and Listen) for Warning Signs 

Unusual noises, warm air blowing from vents, or uneven cooling throughout your home can all be signs that your system needs attention. Don’t ignore the warning signs—address them early to avoid bigger issues later. 


7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up 

Even if everything seems fine, a spring tune-up by an HVAC professional is one of the best ways to keep your system running smoothly. At Custom Cooling & Heating, our experienced technicians will check refrigerant levels, tighten connections, clean, check & lubricate applicable parts, and more to ensure your AC is ready for the summer demand. 


Schedule Your Spring AC Tune-Up Today 

Beat the heat and enjoy peace of mind with help from the pros at Custom Cooling & Heating. Call us at 402-489-9227 or request service online to schedule your spring AC maintenance today! 

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What Size HVAC System Does Your Home Actually Need?

October 5, 2026
A bigger furnace or air conditioner might sound like a safer choice, especially when you’re preparing for a Nebraska summer or winter. But equipment that is too large can cause comfort problems of its own. Equipment that is too small can struggle when temperatures reach their extremes. The right size depends on how much heating and cooling your home actually needs. If you’re planning an HVAC installation in Lincoln, NE, understanding how that need is calculated can help you make a more informed decision about your investment. Square Footage Is Only the Starting Point Two homes with the same square footage may need different HVAC systems. One might have well-insulated walls, newer windows, and plenty of shade. The other might have older windows, a large sun-facing living room, and rooms that are difficult to keep comfortable. A professional sizing assessment considers details such as: The home’s size and layout Insulation and air leakage Window size, type, and direction Ceiling heights Lincoln’s heating and cooling conditions The condition of your ductwork matters, too. Even equipment with the right capacity may struggle to keep every room comfortable if the ducts cannot deliver air effectively. The Problems Caused by an Oversized System An oversized air conditioner can cool the air near the thermostat quickly and shut off before it has run long enough to remove much moisture. Your home may reach the temperature you selected but still feel clammy. Short, frequent cycles can also mean more wear on the equipment. An oversized furnace may create noticeable swings between warm and cool instead of maintaining a steady temperature. The exact effects depend on the equipment and how the system is installed, but extra capacity does not automatically mean extra comfort. ENERGY STAR notes that oversized heating and cooling equipment can switch on and off rapidly, causing excess wear. A larger unit may also cost more upfront without solving the comfort issues that prompted the replacement. The Challenges of an Undersized System A system that is too small may have trouble meeting your home’s heating or cooling needs during very hot or cold weather. You might notice long run times and rooms that never seem to reach the thermostat setting. Longer run times alone do not prove a system is undersized. Some modern systems are designed to operate for extended periods at lower output. Dirty filters , duct problems, poor insulation, and other issues can also cause similar symptoms. That is why it helps to evaluate the whole home before assuming the equipment size is the problem. Check Your Home Before Choosing a System Your old HVAC system may not be the right size for your home today. New insulation, replacement windows, or a finished basement can change how much heating and cooling you need. Before selecting equipment, have a professional assess your home and discuss any rooms that are hard to keep comfortable. Ask how they chose the recommended size and whether your ductwork can support the new system. Those answers can help you choose an installation that fits your home and budget. Frequently Asked Questions Is a bigger HVAC system better for my home? No, a bigger HVAC system is not necessarily better. Oversized equipment can cycle frequently and may leave your home less comfortable, particularly when an air conditioner does not run long enough to remove enough humidity. Can I replace my old HVAC system with the same size? You can, but the old system’s size alone does not show what your home needs today. A fresh assessment is especially useful if you have had comfort problems or made changes to the house. What are signs that my HVAC system may be the wrong size? Frequent short cycles, uneven temperatures, persistent humidity, or difficulty reaching your thermostat setting can be signs of a sizing issue. Other problems can cause these symptoms, so a professional evaluation is the best next step. Plan Your HVAC Installation with Custom Cooling & Heating Choosing a new system means looking beyond the size of your current equipment. Custom Cooling & Heating has served Lincoln and the surrounding area since 1982 and can help you review your installation options.  To discuss HVAC installation in Lincoln, NE, explore our new installation services , request a free estimate , or call 402-489-9227 .

Signs Your HVAC System May Be Costing You More Than You Think

September 4, 2026
When utility bills begin to rise, it is natural to blame extreme temperatures or changing energy rates. However, part of the increase may be coming from an HVAC system that uses more energy than necessary. Many homeowners searching for heating and cooling in Lincoln, NE, do not realize how much efficiency has been lost until comfort problems or unusually high bills become difficult to ignore. Aging equipment, restricted airflow, leaking ducts, and missed maintenance can all make a system work harder to heat or cool the same space.  Custom Cooling & Heating has served Lincoln and the surrounding area since 1982. Our team can help identify the less obvious problems that affect your home’s comfort and energy use. Signs Your HVAC System May Be Wasting Energy An inefficient system does not always stop working completely. It may continue running while gradually using more energy and delivering less consistent comfort. Watch for signs such as: Utility bills rising without a clear change in household use Some rooms feeling warmer or colder than others Heating or cooling cycles that seem unusually long Frequent starts and stops Weak airflow from vents New noises, odors, or excess dust A system that struggles to reach the thermostat setting These warning signs can have several possible causes, which is why a professional evaluation is often the best way to find the source. Aging Equipment May Be Losing Efficiency Heating and cooling equipment experiences wear over time. Motors, electrical components, coils, and other parts may no longer operate as efficiently as they once did. Age alone does not automatically mean a system must be replaced. A well-maintained unit may continue providing dependable service, while a newer system with unresolved problems may still waste energy. However, rising bills, frequent repairs, uneven temperatures, and declining performance can indicate that it is time to compare HVAC repair and replacement . A technician can assess the system’s condition and help determine whether a repair could restore performance or a more efficient replacement may provide better long-term value. Airflow Problems Make the System Work Harder Your HVAC system relies on steady airflow to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. When that airflow is restricted, the equipment may need to run longer to reach the temperature set on the thermostat. A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of restricted airflow. Closed or blocked vents, buildup inside the system, blower motor problems, and poorly designed ductwork may also contribute. Check filters regularly and replace them based on the filter manufacturer’s directions and your home’s needs. If airflow remains weak after these basic checks, schedule professional service rather than continuing to lower or raise the thermostat. Leaky Ductwork Can Waste Conditioned Air The furnace or air conditioner may be operating correctly while the duct system loses heated or cooled air before it reaches your living spaces. Loose connections, gaps, holes, and missing insulation can allow conditioned air to escape into an attic, crawl space, basement, or garage. According to ENERGY STAR , a typical home can lose approximately 20% to 30% of the air moving through its duct system because of leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Possible signs include uneven room temperatures, excessive dust, unusually high bills, or ducts located in unconditioned spaces that become very hot or cold. Proper sealing and insulation can improve comfort and reduce unnecessary system demand. Neglected Maintenance Allows Small Problems to Grow HVAC maintenance is designed to find developing issues before they cause a breakdown or a noticeable increase in operating costs. A system may continue running with dirty coils, worn parts, drainage problems, or incorrect settings, but it may use more energy in the process. During a maintenance visit, a technician can inspect the equipment, check electrical components, clean appropriate parts, evaluate airflow, and look for signs of wear. Custom Cooling & Heating offers maintenance memberships to help homeowners stay ahead of seasonal service needs and unexpected repairs. Find the Source of Rising Energy Bills A higher bill does not always mean you need a new furnace or air conditioner. Sometimes, replacing a filter, correcting an airflow issue, repairing a component, or sealing ductwork can make a meaningful difference. In other cases, aging or unreliable equipment may make replacement the more practical option. If you need help with heating and cooling in Lincoln, NE, Custom Cooling & Heating can evaluate your system and explain the available options. Contact our team or call 402-489-9227 to schedule a service. Frequently Asked Questions Why is my HVAC bill suddenly higher? Your HVAC bill may be higher because the system is using extra energy from weather, rate changes, airflow problems, duct leaks, equipment issues, or lost efficiency. How often should HVAC maintenance be scheduled? HVAC maintenance should usually be scheduled seasonally to keep the system efficient and catch small problems early. Does an old HVAC system always need to be replaced? No, an old HVAC system does not always need replacement. Its efficiency, repair history, condition, and comfort performance should guide the decision.